Where do Broncos rank in "wide open" AFC West following start of free agency

The Denver Broncos had a quiet start to the free-agent signing period, bringing back many of their own players before thinking much about venturing outside the organization. But a trade for Jaylen Waddle changed all of that. 

The Broncos had apparently been working on a deal to obtain Waddle for some time and that trade became official last week. The moves that have been made by the front office this offseason clearly tell one thing: The Broncos feel they are a move or two away from being in the Super Bowl and a drastic roster turnover was not necessary. 

The Broncos may be right. After getting to the doorstep of Super Bowl LX, the team figures to be one of the top contenders in 2026. But navigating their way through their own division won't be easy, as the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers are already solid teams and the Las Vegas Raiders, but just about all accounts, have greatly improved.

AFC West rankings following start of free agency

Zachary Pereles and a team of writers at CBS Sports recently voted on their current divisional power rankings. They describe the AFC West as "wide open" right now, but stick with the team that won it last year, Denver, at No. 1.

"The Broncos, Chargers and Chiefs all earned at least one first-place vote, but it's Denver on top for now. After earning the AFC's No. 1 seed last season, Denver saw Super Bowl hopes crash in excruciating fashion with an injured Bo Nix unable to play in a 10-7 AFC Championship Game loss to the Patriots. The Broncos hadn't done much this offseason before the Waddle trade, and now they have some much-needed juice at wide receiver opposite Courtland Sutton. The Chargers had a ton of money to spend this offseason but haven't been as aggressive as some may have thought. There's still time for that to change, though. The Chiefs will be looking to replace outgoing cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson and perhaps boost pass catcher and pass rusher. The Raiders still appear to be a distant fourth, but they've made major strides after last year's debacle under Pete Carroll", wrote Pereles. 

Broncos fans will be happy to see their team at the top of this list, but know that thoughts and feelings will mean nothing and that the team will have to prove it on the field this coming season, particularly after many NFL fans felt the 2025 season was a fluke for the Broncos. 

Jim Harbaugh will have the Chargers on the attack again and the Chiefs are going to be looking for some serious revenge after how far they fell last year. The Broncos are going to be challenged early and often with next season's schedule, and Sean Payton will have his work cut out for him in order to repeat as division champs. 

HOT READ: How one of college football's biggest games led to Broncos trading for Jaylen Waddle

However, the Broncos showed that they could win tough games last season and that experience will carry over. As long as they can stay healthy, they will be the team to beat in the division. 

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